Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

EEA Nationals: Settled or Pre-settled Status

Monday 7 June 2021 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Guidance for EEA nationals with unapproved applications by 30 June 2021 is not specified beyond current support measures.
  • Grant funding of 22 million supports 72 organisations aiding EUSS applicants.
  • Late applications with reasonable grounds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Immigration
Context

EEA nationals face challenges in applying for settled or pre-settled status before the June deadline.

Question

What guidance will be put in place for EEA nationals eligible for settled or pre-settled status whose applications have not been approved by 30 June 2021?

Answer from Chris Philp

The EUSS is open since March 2019, with over two years of applications. Only 1% of applications have been refused. Grant funding of £22 million has supported 72 organisations for outreach and assistance to those who need it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific guidance on what will be put in place post-deadline was not addressed.

How: Fundamentally, This Is A Uk Success Story, We Are Committed To Making Sure That Everybody Who Is Entitled Gets Status

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Q2 Alan Brown SNP
Immigration Brexit
Context

Covid has hampered outreach and travel for EU nationals trying to apply.

Question

Due to the impact of covid, will the Minister consider extending the deadline by a year to avoid another Windrush scandal?

Answer from Chris Philp

The scheme has been open for over two years before the pandemic. Grant funding of £22 million supports 72 organisations aiding applicants. People should apply by the current June deadline as their status will be protected until a decision is made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: An extension to the deadline was not considered or promised.

How: Of Course, The Euss Has Been Open Since March 2019, We Have Given Grant Funding Of £22 Million To Help People

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Q3 Patricia Gibson SNP
Immigration Brexit
Context

Many essential NHS EU workers may be unaware of their lack of settled or pre-settled status.

Question

Should there be an obligation on organisations to signpost individuals to independent advice if they encounter eligible EU nationals?

Answer from Chris Philp

Grant funding of £22 million supports 72 organisations aiding outreach. The scheme has been a success with 5.4 million applications and 4.9 million grants. Anyone eligible should apply by June deadline to secure their status.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The obligation was not confirmed or promised.

How: I Am Not Sure I Entirely Agree With The Hon. Lady'S Suggestion, We Have Grant-Funded 72 Organisations For Outreach

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Q4 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Immigration NHS
Context

EEA citizens face issues with proving settled status digitally.

Question

Why can't something similar to printed proof of vaccination be done for EU settled status?

Answer from Chris Philp

The system is working well with 5.4 million applications and 4.9 million grants. Anyone eligible should apply by the June deadline, which is six months after the transition period ended. We are committed to making sure everyone entitled gets status.

Partly answered

Not addressed: An alternative way to prove settled status was not offered or promised.

How: To Be Honest, Given All The Prognostications Of Gloom And Doom, We Are Completely Committed

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Q5 Stuart McDonald SNP
Immigration
Context

Concerns about work rights and living status for those applying after the deadline.

Question

Will EU nationals still be able to keep working or renting a flat while waiting for a decision on a late application?

Answer from Chris Philp

If an application is received by 30 June, even if decided after that date, the person will be able to continue working and living as normal with status. The critical point is submitting before 30 June.

Answered
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Q6 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
Immigration
Context

The Prime Minister assured that the law would be merciful to those in a difficult position post-deadline.

Question

Can the Minister assure me that no one who is entitled but missed the deadline will lose rights or access to benefits, or be forcibly detained?

Answer from Chris Philp

The best thing for any constituent entitled to EUSS is to apply by 30 June. If someone applies late with reasonable grounds, latitude will be shown. No hard deadline exists; a reasonable approach will be taken.

Partly answered

Not addressed: A clear commitment on the treatment of those who miss the deadline was not given.

How: The Best Thing To Do For Any Constituent Is To Apply Before 30 June

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